Blocked Drain or Blocked Sewer: What’s the Difference and Who Pays?

One of the most common disputes in rental properties and strata buildings is over who is responsible for a blocked drain — the tenant, the landlord, or the owners corporation. The answer depends on whether it’s a blocked drain or a blocked sewer, and what caused the blockage.

What’s the Difference Between a Blocked Drain and a Blocked Sewer?

Blocked drain

A blocked drain typically refers to a blockage in the pipes within or immediately around a property — a blocked sink, shower, bath, or floor drain. These are usually caused by grease, hair, soap build-up, foreign objects, or tree roots in the internal or connection pipes.

Blocked sewer

A blocked sewer refers to a blockage in the main sewer line that services multiple properties. These are typically the responsibility of the water authority (Melbourne Water or Yarra Valley Water) and should be reported to them. If a CCTV inspection confirms the blockage is in the main sewer, the repair cost falls on the authority, not the property owner or tenant.

Who Pays for a Blocked Drain in a Rental Property?

Under Victoria’s Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in good repair. However, responsibility for a blocked drain depends on the cause:

• Tenant caused (e.g. grease, wipes, foreign objects): The tenant may be liable for the cost of clearing the blockage.
• Tree roots, ageing pipes, or structural issues: The landlord is responsible for repair costs.
• Unclear cause: A CCTV inspection can identify the cause and help resolve the dispute.

Property managers should get a written report from the plumber identifying the cause of the blockage — this is essential for determining liability and managing any VCAT disputes.

Who Pays for a Blocked Drain in a Strata Building?

In a strata building, responsibility depends on whether the blocked pipe is on common property or within a lot:

• Common property pipes: The owners corporation is responsible for repair costs.
• Within a lot: The lot owner is responsible.
• Connection between the two: May require a determination by the strata manager or legal advice.

Sedcon Plumbing provides written reports identifying the location of blockages and whether the affected pipe is on common property or within a lot — the documentation strata managers need to allocate costs correctly.

Protecting Yourself as a Property Manager

• Always get a written plumber’s report identifying the cause and location of the blockage
• Keep records of previous drain issues at the property — patterns matter in disputes
• Include drain maintenance instructions in your tenant welcome pack (no wipes, no grease)
• Consider a scheduled drain inspection for older properties with a history of blockages

For blocked drains across Melbourne, Sedcon Plumbing attends same day wherever possible and provides written reports on every job.

Learn more about our blocked drain service or call 0468 013 012.

Learn more about our Blocked Drain Plumber Melbourne service, or see all suburbs we cover across greater Melbourne.